The fastest way to change your address in Tennessee

You can change your driver's license address online through the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website, by mail, or in person at any Driver Services office. The online method takes about 10 minutes and costs nothing — you'll receive an updated license in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you need the change reflected when ready, you must go to a Driver Services office in person, where staff will issue a temporary document on the spot.

Tennessee does not require you to update your license address within a specific timeframe, but doing so keeps your registration and insurance records aligned. If your address on file differs from your vehicle registration, you may face complications during a traffic stop or when renewing your registration.

Key Takeaways

  • Online address changes through the TDOSHS website cost nothing and take 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.
  • In-person visits to any Driver Services office let you walk out with a temporary document the same day.
  • You'll need your current license number, the new address, and a valid email address to change your address online.
  • Mail-in changes require a completed form and a copy of your current license, but take 2 to 3 weeks longer than online submission.

Changing your address online

Go to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security website and select the address change option under Driver Services. You will need your current driver's license number, your new address, and a valid email address. The system will send you a confirmation email, and your updated license will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

This method works only if your license is not expired and you have not had any suspensions or holds on your driving record. If either applies to you, you must visit a Driver Services office in person or submit a paper form by mail.

Changing your address in person at a Driver Services office

Bring your current driver's license and proof of your new address — a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days will work. You do not need an appointment at most offices, though wait times vary by location and time of day. Arrive early in the morning or on a weekday if possible to avoid longer lines.

Staff will issue you a temporary document on the spot that shows your new address and is valid for 30 days while your permanent license is printed and mailed. The permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you need to drive when ready after the address change, the temporary document satisfies law enforcement and insurance companies.

Changing your address by mail

read the address change form from the TDOSHS website (Form DL-43 or the current equivalent), fill it out completely, and mail it with a photocopy of your current license to the address listed on the form. Include a copy of your proof of address — the same documents accepted in person work by mail. Do not send original documents; the office will not return them.

Processing takes 2 to 3 weeks longer than online submission because the form must be received, processed, and then your new license printed and mailed. If you are in a hurry, the online or in-person method is faster.

What counts as proof of your new address

Tennessee accepts utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, bank statements, insurance documents, or government mail dated within the last 60 days. The document must show your full name and the new address. A post office change-of-address confirmation does not count on its own, but a utility bill or lease at the new address does.

If you have recently moved and do not yet have a document in your name at the new address, ask your landlord or utility company for a letter on their letterhead confirming your residency, dated and signed. Some Driver Services offices will accept this in place of a standard document, though policies vary slightly by location.

Timing and what to expect

Online and in-person changes both result in a new license arriving within 7 to 10 business days. Mail-in changes take 2 to 3 weeks longer. If you visit in person, you leave with a temporary document valid for 30 days, so you can drive legally while waiting for the permanent license.

Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives. Once the new license is in your mailbox, the old one is no longer valid and should be destroyed. If your new license does not arrive within 12 business days, contact the Driver Services office where you submitted the change to confirm it was processed.

Updating your vehicle registration after changing your license address

Your vehicle registration is a separate document from your driver's license, and changing one does not automatically change the other. When you renew your vehicle registration, the address on file will update to match your new license address if you provide it. You can also update your registration address separately by contacting the Tennessee Department of Revenue or renewing online through their portal.

Keeping your license and registration addresses in sync prevents confusion during traffic stops and ensures renewal notices reach you. If you move and update your license but not your registration, renewal notices may go to your old address and you could miss important date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an appointment to change my address at a Driver Services office?

No, most Tennessee Driver Services offices operate on a walk-in basis. However, some locations in larger cities may offer appointment slots during peak hours. Call ahead or check the TDOSHS website for your local office's policy and current wait times.

Can I change my address if my license is expired?

No. You must renew your license before you can change the address online or by mail. If your license is expired, visit a Driver Services office in person with your expired license, proof of address, and proof of identity to renew and change the address at the same time.

What if I move out of state — do I need to update my Tennessee license?

If you move permanently to another state, you should obtain a driver's license from that state. Keeping a Tennessee license with an out-of-state address can cause problems with vehicle registration and insurance. Check your new state's requirements for when you must switch.

How long is the temporary document valid after I change my address in person?

The temporary document is valid for 30 days. Your permanent license should arrive within 7 to 10 business days, so the temporary covers the waiting period. If your permanent license does not arrive within 12 business days, contact the Driver Services office to report it.

Can I change my address online if I have a commercial driver's license?

Commercial driver's licenses have different rules. Contact the TDOSHS Driver Services section directly or visit a Driver Services office in person to change the address on a CDL, as online changes may not be available for commercial licenses.